P&H Engineering / Q2 2022

ALTHOUGH SPRING IS in the air, dark clouds loom over UK households’ heads as the cost of living soars. With fuel and water poverty on the increase, we look at how heating and plumbing engineers can help customers cut back. (p16)

As the industry continues to su er from a skills shortage, David Bunce, mature apprentice plumber, says more needs to be done to encourage and support older people into the trades. (p14)

It’s that time of year when households will be making the most of their outside spaces. However, fun in the sun comes with some risks – we highlight some of the main priorities. (p24)

CIPHE’s manifesto update for 2022 addresses key industry issues, including the significant part the heating and plumbing industry will play in the drive for net zero and the urgent need for parliament to provide support. Look out for references to the manifesto throughout this issue!

SARAH WELSH Editor

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@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk

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Head of design Simon Goddard

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Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) 64 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 6NB Tel 01708 472791

Membership Founded in 1906, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry. Membership is made up of consultants, specifi ers, designers, public health engineers, lecturers, trainers, trainees and practitioners. The CIPHE has a membership of 7,500, including over 150 manufacturers and distributors. The majority of members live in the UK, although over 1,000 are residents in Hong Kong. The CIPHE is a member of the Construction Industry Council

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The publishers do not accept responsibility for errors or omissions. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Institute and publication of an advertisement or article does not necessarily mean the Institute endorses those products, materials or techniques.

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Subscriptions P&H Engineering is the magazine for the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, containing technical articles, latest industry news and environmental and educational updates.

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KEVIN WELLMAN Chief executive officer kevinw@ciphe.org.uk

“We will continue to argue the case for stringent controls”

I AM DELIGHTED to announce that the Ofqual-regulated, CIPHE Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Systems in Dwellings qualification was o cially launched in March, following a two-year collaboration with the Heat Pump Association, LCL Awards, manufacturers and industry professionals.

With the UK to hit net zero by 2050, we are on a path to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from heating systems. Low temperature heating and hot water technologies, such as heat pumps, are coming to the fore. The objective of the new qualification is to up-skill professionals to both design and install these types of systems.

An animation with more information about it is available on our website: bit.ly/3OpdXF7

SUPPORTING SAFETY MEASURES

Members will be aware that the CIPHE supports government intervention for the introduction of legislation when the need arises. I was therefore interested to see a recent government consultation about cybersecurity professionals with recommendations that a licence scheme be introduced in 2025.

Engineering systems within buildings, as well as the management of digital information during the design, construction and operation of buildings – including the new ‘Golden Thread’ of building information – will require cybersecurity measures and will undoubtedly be regulated. This creates a potential scenario in which those who are responsible for the cybersecurity aspects of a building are regulated, while those responsible for life safety aspects of the building engineering, such as fire safety or building and mechanical engineering services, continue to operate in an

unregulated environment. The exception, of course, is those who are undertaking gas work who must be enrolled on the Gas Safe Register.

When safety-critical issues fail then it can result in serious injuries and possible fatalities. We will continue to argue the case for stringent controls, preferably through licencing of the plumbing and heating industry.

There is no doubt that changes to life safety systems in existing buildings by unregulated parties is a major risk. It seems nonsensical that the engineer who designs the structure will be unregulated, whilst the engineer responsible for the cybersecurity of the building information model that includes that structural design will be regulated. Whilst this is no doubt completely unintended it could prove to be an entirely undesirable outcome that will be hard to justify to the former residents of Grenfell Tower or to the wider public. Given the call for cultural change in the industry and for improved standards to keep residents safe in their homes, it is imperative that government moves away from the attitude of doing the bare minimum required in terms of regulation.

To be clear, I fully support regulation in the cybersecurity sector – in preference to voluntary schemes which are rarely e ective – as long as occupations comprising safety-critical activities in the mechanical engineering sector/built environment are subjected to comparable regulation.

Find out more about industry issues in the CIPHE’s latest manifesto: www.ciphe.org.uk/ campaigns/ciphe-manifesto

When government considers stricter regulation for some areas of the industry, it must follow suit across all trades

FRONTLINE

ALL THAT’S HAPPENING IN PLUMBING AND HEATING

SUSTAINABILITY

Baxi takes part in test project

BAXI AIR SOURCE heat pumps are to be used in a pioneering project, led by housing association Midland Heart, to implement low carbon heating in new houses.

Two complete Baxi Assure air source heat pump systems will be installed at ‘Project 80’ in Handsworth, Birmingham, which aims to meet the Future Homes Standard three years ahead of schedule.

The houses will be lived in by families and will be a ‘living lab’ to test how they manage in their futuristic homes. The evidence gathered will help to inform how

developers and their suppliers adapt to the standard ahead of an expected technical consultation in 2023.

Baxi air source heat pump development manager Ryan Kirkwood said: “Our involvement in Project 80 will demonstrate how our air source heat pumps can make an important contribution to lowering greenhouse gas emissions in new homes. We will also gain insights from monitoring how people adapt to living in these homes that will help us to solve the complex energy transition.”

Find out more at www.baxi.co.uk

Diversity plan aims to boost talent pool

The Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) is working with the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre on a National Equity and Inclusion Plan for the construction industry in Scotland.

Funded by Scottish Government, the initiative is part of the wider plan for the industry to develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce, giving the sector access to a wider talent pool to support growth and help

to address labour shortages.

In 2020, 84.6% of workers in the Scottish construction industry were men and 15.4% women. Only 1.6% of workers in the construction industry were from a minority ethnic background compared with 4.3% of minority ethnic workers in Scotland as a whole.

The plan seeks to address these imbalances by mainstreaming equity and inclusion within the industry

as part of the CLF’s Construction Recovery Plan.

Emma Dickson, technical director at Arcadis and industry co-chair of CLF’s skills and workforce sub group said: “It will be critical for industry to embrace and action [the plan’s] recommendations. Skills shortages alongside the need for new green / digital skills in the industry mean that improving the diversity of our industry has never been so critical.”

Pump takeback scheme

Wolseley and Grundfos have joined forces to launch a take-back scheme that encourages customers to return their old water pumps, which are then remanufactured to make new high performing pumps.

The scheme for domestic and light commercial pumps is already live in 70 Wolseley branches across the UK. The remanufacturing process, which is carried out by Grundfos, consumes only 50% of the water required by the conventional recycling processes and emits 13.5% less greenhouse gases.

Keith Dorling, managing director at Wolseley Plumbing and Heating, said: “This project is a great illustration of working with a key supplier to help our customers reduce their environmental impact. We are keen to work with other products manufacturers on similar schemes.”

The project will help to show how people can adapt to low-carbon heating

More women taking up tools

highs in demand during that time.

Although women make up less than 4% of plumbers in the UK, according to a Censuswide survey, their numbers are on the increase.

Direct Line has estimated that the number of tradeswomen has

MANUFACTURING

increased by 120% in the last decade.

Fix Radio found that 21% of women in the UK considered a career in the trades during the first year of the pandemic and 15% of women who were already working within the trades saw record

A GoCompare study found that increased numbers of younger women were taking up tools, with a 366% increase in females doing trade apprenticeships in the UK, with 28.38% of these dedicated to fixing heating and fitting boilers, as well as installing bathroom and kitchen fixtures.

However, the pay gap could still be a barrier for women in the trades, who are still underpaid in comparison to their male counterparts by an average of £7,115 (GoCompare).

UK parts needed to meet government targets

With the impending Boiler Upgrade Scheme set to accelerate the UK heat pump rollout, local manufacturing and support will be key to addressing demand for remote installations, says a sector expert.

Set to launch this April, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) flagship Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) will o er homeowners grants of £5,000-£6,000 for installation of air and ground source heat pumps. This aligns with the Prime Minister’s earlier target of achieving 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028.

However, Steve Richmond, head of marketing and technical at REHAU Building Solutions, warns that immediate availability of manufactured parts will be required

to meet these ambitious objectives:

“At present, around 30,000 heat pumps are installed per year in the UK. In order to increase this by a factor of 20 before the end of the decade, the government’s push for installations is going to need to be backed by a comprehensive supply chain.

“This necessitates opting for locally manufactured parts to cut down lead times and meet the anticipated boom in demand. This extends to accessories as well as heat pumps themselves.”

STANDARDS

Independence for the UWLA

The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) has become an independent body following the signing of a share purchase agreement with the Bathroom Manufacturers Association that transfers the full ownership of the Water Label to the UWLA.

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill said: “The journey that began with the European Bathroom Forum has brought together four European schemes that now operate as the UWLA, an independent body.”

Tom Reynolds, chief executive o cer at the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, added: “As the UK government and European institutions consider policies to address water scarcity, we urge them to utilise the Unified Water Label. The independence of the scheme is important, giving confidence to policy-makers that the scheme is the best way to help consumers make sustainable choices.”

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UK production of heat pumps will need to increase

There are more female apprentices now

RECRUITMENT

New talent

KBB Recruitment has refreshed its website with a new modern design that makes it quicker and easier to navigate.

A new apprenticeships feature provides free adverts for those seeking to take on apprentices. The BMF is using the job board to promote its members’ apprenticeship vacancies. Learning and development manager at BMF, Kerry Wilson, said, “The apprenticeship feature on the KBB recruitment website provides a new outlet for advertising vacancies, supporting education and bringing new talent in the sector.”

Record deal

Kev Crane, from Leicestershire, who landed a record contract after being overheard singing while fitting a bathroom, has signed a deal with a Hollywood film maker. He secured a music deal when he spent six weeks working at the home of a music producer and has sold the rights to his story. Crane said: “It’s like I’m watching this happen to someone else. Not for one minute did I think this could happen to me. It’s so exciting.”

TRAINING

BPEC turns 30

This year BPEC will celebrate 30 years of delivering qualifications, assessments, training courses and learning materials to the plumbing and heating industry and the wider energy sector.

BPEC’s chief executive o cer, Neil Collishaw said: “The last 30 years have been a huge success story for BPEC, as it has made a major contribution to raising the skills of so many people. This is something the BPEC directors and sta are immensely proud of and their passion to continue to serve the industry remains as strong as ever.”

TRAINING

Baxi invests in apprentices

BAXI APPRENTICE SERVICE engineers took part in a week-long team building course this month, designed to develop the next generation of installers with activities focusing on personal development and problem-solving.

The programme was tailored to Baxi’s visions and values, with apprentices undertaking team-based exercises linked to their Level 3 Domestic Service Engineering apprenticeship scheme.

During the week spent at SKERN Training and Skills in Devon, apprentices experienced climbing, rafting and tunnelling. Each practical exercise was designed to help the apprentices improve teamwork,

CIPHE Lincolnshire Branch Awards Event

At the recent CIPHE Lincolnshire Branch Awards Event, plumbing students from local colleges were recognised for their achievements. Chelsea Jealous and Callum Plested from Holbeach College, and Jacque Taylor-Vine from Grimsby College, each received a certificate and trophy with a shower

leadership, risk assessment and communication.

Krystal McKinnell, apprenticeships coordinator at Baxi Heating, said: “Investing in apprenticeships is vital for tackling the skills gap in the UK heating sector. By supporting and training individuals throughout their professional journey, we hope to make a di erence and give people a head start as they join the industry.”

As well as o ering entry-level apprenticeship schemes, Baxi also supports qualifi ed heating engineers with training courses tailored towards the introduction of low carbon systems. Find out more about Baxi’s training opportunities on its website.

Visit www.baxi.co.uk.

and goody bag from the main sponsor Aqualisa. The awards were presented by Mel Gumbs, CIPHE president, and Jonathan Pinion, the branch president. The Branch holds the event annually to reward students for their dedication and to encourage membership of the CIPHE for their CPD progression.

Apprentices took part in a number of team-building activities

Callum Plested (centre) receives his award from Jonathan Pinion (left) and Mel Gumbs (right)

Chelsea Jealous (second left), Jacque Taylor-Vine (centre) and Callum Plested (second right)

MUSIC STAR

Fernox urges professionals to prepare for changes

Water treatment manufacturer

Fernox is calling on heating and plumbing professionals to ensure that they are implementing the best practice guidance outlined in BS 7593: 2019 – before it becomes mandatory. The code of practice is

due to be introduced into Part L of the Building Regulations in June 2022.

Approved Document L of the Building Regulations, which looks at the conservation of fuel and power, is being updated to include measures that will help to keep central heating

systems working at optimum e ciency, thereby reducing carbon emissions and fuel wastage.

The changes include ensuring an in-line filter is installed, checking inhibitor levels on site annually and conducting laboratory analysis of the system water, or re-dosing, every five years.

Fernox recognises that many tradespeople will already be taking steps to correctly clean, guard, protect, maintain and test heating systems – but is encouraging engineers to carefully consider the water treatment products that they are using to make compliance as quick and easy as possible.

SUSTAINABILITY

Government failing to cut carbon

According to an influential committee of MPs, the government is failing to cut carbon emissions from home heating, with the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) select committee stating that the government “lacked clear direction”.

Heating homes is responsible for 14% of carbon emissions in the UK and needs to be

addressed urgently in order to meet the government’s carbon reduction targets.

The Heat and Buildings Strategy aims to move the UK to renewable alternatives to gas, but the BEIS select committee found that the strategy did not explain how the changes would be achieved and the current policies don’t adequately address the scale of the problem.

AGM

Annual General Meeting 2022

The 2022 AGM will be held on Friday 17 June at 11am. The meeting will be held at 150 Minories, Aldgate, London EC3N 1LS and also remotely for members to access.

Further details can be obtained from Lesley Church (lesleyc@ciphe.org.uk).

PARTS

Wolseley opens new branch

Wolseley has opened a new Plumb and Parts contract branch on the outskirts of Edinburgh, in Newbridge.

The branch will provide service and components for the new build and social housing markets, whilst also delivering a one-stop shop for plumbing and heating customers, allowing them to improve productivity and fi rst time fixes.

It will o er a 30-minute click-and-collect service and above and below ground products in one go.

Change in homeowner behaviour

A survey conducted by MyJobQuote has uncovered a significant change in the behaviour of homeowners as a result of COVID-19 measures, with 85% of tradespeople reporting that homeowners have become much more vigilant even after restrictions were lifted. The majority of homeowners distanced themselves, wore masks and also requested trades wear masks and social distance.

One tradesperson noted that social distancing and lack of communication with homeowners has made “building relationships for future work di cult”.

COVID-19

Updated building regulations come into force

THE GOVERNMENT RECENTLY updated Building Regulations for England, which includes amendments to Approved Documents Part F (ventilation), Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part O (Setting Standards for overheating in new residential buildings).

The new regulations, which are intended to drive e ciency and reduce carbon emissions in commercial and residential buildings, are set to come into force on 15 June. After this, new homes and buildings in England will have to produce around 30% less CO2 than current standards, and emissions from other new buildings, including o ces and shops, must be reduced by 27%.

The new regulations for existing and new build properties will change how heating and ventilation is specifi ed. For existing homes, changes to both Part L and F stipulate new minimum e ciency

standards, which includes a new way of calculating whole house heat losses for new extensions.

Under changes to Part F and with the introduction of Part O, all new residential building designs for care homes, children’s homes and student accommodation must include ways to reduce overheating.

Neil Sawers, commercial technical manager at Grant UK said: “We will be looking into the fi ner detail of the documents over the coming months, but as it stands today these changes form a very real beginning for the decarbonisation of heat and take away any doubt over what the future looks like.

“Starting now, there are real challenges ahead – like upskilling the workforce to ensure our industry have the numbers of highly trained individuals required to deliver a lower carbon heating solution to our customers.”

SUSTAINABILITY

Baxi calls for heat pump incentive

Baxi is calling on the government to incentivise hybrid heat pump systems to reduce reliance on natural gas.

The huge increase in the price of gas, in part because of the conflict in Ukraine, is leading to more costly energy bills for consumers. This means that a gas boiler may no longer be the cheapest source of heat for many households. Baxi is therefore recommending that the government incentivises hybrid systems which combine a specially adapted heat pump with a gas boiler, reducing gas usage by up to 70%.

The government is about to o er a grant of up to £5,000 to customers for switching to a pure heat pump solution, which will work in some houses. The government has also announced a cut on VAT on heat pumps which has been welcomed by Baxi, but the company believes hybrids could provide a way to reduce gas usage, cut bills and decarbonise the nation’s heating.

Karen Boswell, managing director of Baxi, explained: “Electrification of heat will mean we are less dependent on gas Electrically driven heat pumps o er a sustainable alternative to gas and will become the main source of heating in new builds from 2025. However, fitting this technology in the UK’s existing housing stock often requires substantial modifications. We therefore believe that the government should be looking at hybrids, where a specially adapted heat pump works alongside the home’s gas boiler.”

WaterSafe film highlights benefits of registering

WaterSafe’s latest film aims to recruit more qualified plumbers in England to its register, which is free for CIPHE members

The short film, starring WaterSafe’s members, highlights the vital role that qualified, approved plumbers carry out every day to keep tap water safe and healthy. It encourages qualified plumbers to sign up to WaterSafe and offer customers a trusted route to a professional plumber.

WaterSafe member Mike Turnbull from Hampshire, who is in the film with his brother Dave, said: “I think every qualified plumber should get WaterSafe approved – being able to self-notify work is such an advantage, and I get regular jobs coming my way from my local water company.”

Being WaterSafe approved means that you’re specifically trained in

the regulations that help keep drinking water healthy in homes and businesses – which is why you’re promoted by all UK water companies and drinking water regulators.

WaterSafe’s latest survey of UK homeowners revealed that 81% feel more confident in using an approved plumber who is on a list promoted by their local water company – so it makes sense to get the WaterSafe stamp of approval.

Water companies also trust WaterSafe approved plumbers to self-notify certain types of plumbing work and support them with free advice on the water regulations.

You can watch the film on WaterSafe’s YouTube channel and at watersafe.org.uk.

For more information on WaterSafe and membership visit watersafe.org.uk/howtojoin

REPORT

Sustainable design adds value

A new report, Sustainable by Design, by engineering consultancy Patrick Parsons, based on research with 100 senior executives of UK construction firms, reveals that they are seeing significant commercial benefits from using sustainable design and engineering to build developments with lower carbon footprint and water use, reduced waste and materials used.

Two thirds (66%) said sustainable design is adding value to current developments and 83% said that projects designed with green credentials have given them a competitive advantage. Furthermore, 68% expect the value of developments with sustainable design to increase by between 10% and 20%, and 18% expect values to increase by between 20% and 50% over the next three years.

Conor Murphy, senior partner – structural engineering, at Patrick Parsons said: “Reducing the impact of our built environment is no longer an option, but an imperative and sustainable design and engineering has a crucial role in protecting the environment and our communities. This is recognised in our report, which shows that sustainable design and engineering gives construction firms a competitive advantage when it comes to securing new projects and increases the value of developments.”

To read the report in full, visit www.patrickparsons.co.uk

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WaterSafe members Mike Turnbull (top) and his brother Dave appear in the film

NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BODY

COURSE

Future-proof your career and play your part in helping us reach net zero with this new course aimed at helping installers and engineers to design low temperature heating and hot water systems, to work with more sustainable heat sources

The UK’s commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 will be impossible to achieve without a significant contribution by the plumbing and heating industry.

That’s why the CIPHE has invested in delivering a qualification that will help engineers to recalculate how heating and hot water is delivered at lower temperatures.

The CIPHE’s Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Design course covers the fundamental design principles of low temperature technologies and will help upskill those involved in the years ahead.

Find out more about the course, as well as membership and CPD opportunities, at www.ciphe.org.uk

I fell in love with heating and plumbing engineering”

DAVID BUNCE began his career in 1984 at the age of 16 when he enlisted into the Army’s parachute regiment. After six years serving Queen and country, he met his future wife, Rachel. With military life no longer suiting his lifestyle, David changed careers and went into the Manchester police force, starting out as a police constable, and moved through the ranks to become a detective constable, and a specialist in child and adult protection. After 30 years of service, he retired in 2018 at the age of 50.

“I wanted to do something radically di erent,” recalls David. “Something with a purity and

honesty. Something that felt normal. I wanted to work with people and do something of benefit.”

Perfect fit

David worked in care home maintenance for seven months, gaining experience of working in a range of trades to get a feel for which career path to take, and finally settled on becoming a plumbing and heating engineer.

The year he retired, David began a night course studying towards a BPEC Level 1 Plumbing certification at Warrington College. It was then that he decided to become a trainee member of the CIPHE.

“I fell in love with heating and plumbing engineering and really enjoyed the more technical aspect of it,” explains David. “The CIPHE o ers a lot of services and for me the CPD and ethos of continual improvement was a great attraction, as was the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals.”

David put in 12 unsuccessful apprenticeship applications before he was finally accepted by Seddon Construction Limited, where he began working in the mechanical and engineering services division, at the age of 51.

“It was di cult to understand why I wasn’t successful,” admits David. “However, Seddon is an inclusive business, with a diverse employee base, and the selection system was a lot more person-based. I think a more mature person trying to get into the heating and plumbing industry is

David Bunce, apprentice plumber, changed careers at the age of 50 after finding his calling in the heating and plumbing industry

DAVID BUNCE apprentice plumber, Seddon Construction Ltd

Former paratrooper and then police officer who decided to train to become a plumber in his 50s

viewed as following a bit of a whim. I think the perception is that you are almost too old in terms of the physicality and longevity of the job, which is so not the case. I have so much to offer.

“There are an awful lot of mature people who have transferable skills to bring to the construction industry, a real source of life skills which could fill the skills gap.”

David spends one day a week in college and four days on site during college time, with an expectation to carry out eight to 10 hours of self-directed study in his own time. His apprenticeship is due to finish in the spring of 2024.

“I have worked on a number of sites, including high profile jobs such as Harper and Keele Veterinary School, working on either wet or dry labs, which was really interesting,” says David. “I also worked on the Sue Ryder project, a specialist neurological centre, which was being built to help people with neurological injuries, as well as new-build projects.”

Renewables

“I will be dealing with and installing renewable technology, so I will be taking part in the CIPHE Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Design

course in the summer of 2023,” says David. “Sustainable technology is a very complex subject that isn’t as linear as people think. There needs to be a cohesive approach across business, the private and public sectors and government to be rolled out effectively. It is the future because we will run out of fossil fuels and carbon. Demand on energy resources will be at the forefront of government agendas so anything we can do to mitigate demand on fossil fuels has got to be a good thing. It’s important that members of the industry look forward and are prepared to change their previous working methods and embrace the new technology.”

Looking back on his career, David counts himself lucky that he was able to change direction later in life: “I’d encourage anyone who wants a career change to look into construction. Don’t be put off with the advertised salary, it can always be negotiated, especially if you come with transferrable skills.

“People need to challenge the perceptions of what an apprentice is and just go for it if they can,” enthuses David. “The main issue for apprentices is the wage, but adults entering apprenticeships will potentially receive a minimum wage (£9.50 per hour) from the start.

“It’s so easy to stay in your comfort zone and find that you are not growing as a person. It’s sometimes a challenge seeing my peers doing well in other career paths, but there is an honesty in doing a job well. If you ask any of the lads and lasses in the industry they’ll agree that if you do good work it’s a great feeling.”

GET IN TOUCH

Would you like to share your story? Contact the editor on pandhengineering@ jamespembrokemedia.co.uk

Seddon annually employs apprentices of all ages across a number of its sites

“I wanted to do something radically different”

Illustrations: Adam Gale

SUPER SAVERS

Just when the British public thought things couldn’t get any worse, the cost of energy has soared and water rates have increased. With the energy price cap rising an eye watering 54% and water costs increasing up to 10% in some parts of England, households are understandably worried about how they are going to pay their bills.

The energy price cap increase will affect approximately 22 million customers. According to Ofgem, households on default tariffs paying by direct debit will see an increase of £693 from £1,277 to £1,870 per year, while prepayment customers’ bills will rise by £708 from £1,309 to £2,017.

Jonathan Brearley, chief executive officer of Ofgem, said: “The energy market has faced a huge challenge due to the unprecedented increase in global gas prices, and Ofgem’s role as energy regulator is to ensure that, under the price cap, energy companies can only charge a fair price based on the true cost of supplying electricity and gas.

“Ofgem is working to stabilise the market and over the longer term to diversify our sources of energy which will help protect customers from similar shocks in future.”

Energy increases

The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the recent sanctions on Russia, have exacerbated issues such as reduced

storage of gas and a lack of wind generated energy in the UK in particular, and Rishi Sunak has come under increased pressure over the cost of living issues that will significantly impact households’ budgets.

“Without question, this is people’s number one priority at the moment,” Sunak told BBC One’s Sunday Morning programme when asked about energy costs. “I get that, and I know how difficult it is when you’re working hard and seeing the price of everything go up every week.

“The steps that we have taken to sanction Russia are not cost-free for us at home. I want to be honest with people: it’s not going to be easy.”

When the price cap rises again in October, E.ON has warned that up to 40% of people in Britain may be forced into fuel poverty. Michael Lewis, chief executive of E.ON UK said: “We are expecting a severe impact on customers’ ability to pay.”

He told MPs at the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy select committee in parliament, that he expected customers’ debts to rise by 50%, or £800m.

Many people, including the financial journalist and broadcaster Martin Lewis, felt the government wasn’t doing enough. He said: “Money prioritisation used to be, do I go to the hairdresser or do I go to the pub and have a takeaway? Now it’s about: I’m prioritising feeding my children over feeding myself. That is simply not tenable in our society. It’s not

something money management can fix – we need political intervention.”

Rising water rates

Water poverty will become a reality for some UK households when the yearly water and sewerage costs rise in England and Wales this year, even though the forecasted rise is set to be below the rate of inflation. In fact, according to Water UK, water bills are lower in real terms compared to a decade ago and average yearly bills have fallen over the last two years.

Consumer support

Water

For a full list of financial support offered by water companies, visit: www.ccwater.org. uk/households/help-with-my-bills

Energy

Citizens Advice consumer service can provide advice on how customers can resolve problems with their energy provider. You can contact Citizens Advice via webchat, or by calling 0808 223 1133.  Breathing Space Scheme gives households time to receive debt advice and find a solution to sort out their debt problems. Call the National Debtline on Freephone 0808 808 4000 or visit www.nationaldebtline.org

As the UK faces a cost of living crisis, what can installers do to help customers make their homes more efficient?

MANIFESTO

TWO FOR TWENTY-TWO: SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF THE PUBLIC

With around 3.66m households fuel poor and 3m water poor and unable to pay water bills, the priority issues for the CIPHE in 2022 include fuel and water poverty.

Although under UK law water companies are not allowed to switch o the water supply to domestic residences, enforcement actions over unpaid debt can prove extremely stressful for bill payers.

“People are having to choose between heating and eating and the situation is sadly unlikely to get better in the future,” says Kevin Wellman, CEO of CIPHE.

“The government needs to o er further discounts on fuel tari s.

“I am concerned that if people can’t a ord to heat their homes it will a ect their health and wellbeing. The warmer months are here, but these issues aren’t going to be resolved in the near future and, given the current state of play, the review of the energy price cap in October is unlikely to see prices go down.”

CIPHE’s recommendations: Tackle issues associated with poverty at source. Ensure those on low incomes pay fair and

competitive tari s for energy use. Promote schemes to help the water poor. Increase water e ciency in domestic properties and cut water waste.

Policies to target the energy e ciency of dwellings in bands G–D.

CIPHE’s action: CIPHE to act as industry spokespeople on public health issues, and engage the media on energy and water saving measures, along with the importance of energy and water e cient homes.

MANIFESTO

TWO FOR TWENTY-TWO: REGULATION, LICENSING AND INDUSTRY ISSUES

In response to the current issues concerning fuel and water poverty, the shadow economy, skills shortages and a lack of enforced regulation the CIPHE has proposed the introduction of a compliance health check.

“The health check will be similar to an MOT and will encourage consumers to have regular inspections of their plumbing and heating systems; this should prevent problems before they occur and ensure systems are working as e ciently and safely as possible,”

explains CIPHE chief executive o cer Kevin Wellman.

The UK plumbing and heating industry is largely unregulated, which means anyone can carry out plumbing tasks regardless of their qualifi cations, knowledge and competence.

“More people should get in touch with the CIPHE to become bona fi de members,” says Mel Gumbs, President. “Registration is going to become increasingly important over the next few years as we try and go greener.”

CIPHE’s actions: Lobby government for the introduction of the licence to practise. Represent members by collaborating with the engineering institutions to ensure the industry has a seat at the table on governmental issues. Educate the public to only use CIPHE members and recognise the importance of system health checks.

Work with manufacturers to help raise awareness of the shadow economy and the importance of using genuine parts.

Although the increase of water costs seems modest when compared to that of energy, the two combined are proving too much for some households. Customers are being encouraged to contact their water company if they need help with their bills. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, more than 100,000 customers have been given payment breaks. A record 1.1m consumers currently receive support with paying their water bills and this number is predicted to rise to 1.4m by 2025.

Christine McGourty, the chief executive o cer of Water UK, said there is “a wide range of support available for those in need”. However, The Consumer Council for Water says that only one in four customers are aware of schemes that can reduce their water bills.

Practical approach

A multi-faceted approach needs to be taken to tackle the issues of fuel and water poverty. Working on the front line, plumbing and heating engineers need to do all they can to help customers ensure their homes are as e cient as possible.

“Installers need to try and help reduce costs wherever possible,” says Kevin Wellman, CIPHE’s chief executive o cer.

One way to ensure optimum e ciency of homes is to carry out a property systems health check. However, when highlighting the financial benefits to customers it’s important that engineers factor in how price increases will impact payback times.

“Currently, the main issue for consumers is their homes’ running costs, so it’s important that they employ a qualified engineer to assess how their heating and plumbing system is operating in order to save energy and money,” says Mel Gumbs, CIPHE President. “This check will highlight ine ciencies, which can then be resolved.”

Tips from the trade

Reducing consumption and therefore costs doesn’t necessarily mean consumers having to invest in the latest

“Installers need to try and help reduce costs wherever possible”

RISING COSTS

SHARE YOUR TIPS

Let us know what advice you offer customers.

Email pandhengineering@ jamespembrokemedia. co.uk

Missed chances

Our reliance on fossil fuels has exacerbated the current crisis and is something that could have been avoided had any of the government’s green initiatives been successful.

Although the current issues surrounding fuel shortages and increased costs are being looked at from an economic standpoint, the focus on reducing public consumption can only have a positive effect on the uptake of renewable heating technology and the environment.

“Prior to the current crisis there were 3m in fuel poverty, which is set to go up to 8m or possibly more,” says Peter Thom FCIPHE, MD of Green Heat. “We were in the same situation 25 years ago, so we have gone full circle. We have had 10 years of failed schemes. The politicians have failed us.”

renewable technology. Every little helps – from fixing a dripping tap to swapping a bath for a shower.

“Water is often overlooked when it comes to saving money but there are many ways to reduce your bill,” said a spokesperson for Water UK. “These savings could help free up precious pounds to cover other rising costs.”

According to Water UK, 46% of adults believe their household uses under 20 litres a day when in the UK we use roughly 142 litres per person per day. Its Water’s Worth Saving campaign aims to reduce water consumption by offering simple hints and tips like taking shorter showers, using a watering can in place of a hose and using the eco setting with a fully loaded dishwasher.

“Ensuring boilers are regularly serviced can reduce running costs,” points out Gumbs. “Checking the system is clean and has no leaks will also help with

consumption levels. Installers should also make a point to show householders how they should be controlling their heating and hot water systems.”

Although many energy and water saving tips seem obvious to engineers, it’s important to outline measures that customers can take to reduce their usage, such as using TRVs to turn the heating off in rooms that aren’t being used.

Making use of smart controls is an easy way to make boilers work more efficiently by pre-programming heating. Smart meters are also a good way to monitor energy usage so consumers can see where they can cut back.

MORE INFORMATION

The CIPHE website contains helpful consumer advice on lowering bills and fuel and water poverty in a dedicated section at www.ciphe. org.uk/public/lowering-water-energy-bills

Hot topic

Crown

Once a commercial office building, Crown Place, situated in the heart of Wales’ capital city, just 100m from Cardiff University, was converted into a £13 million student accommodation property in 2018.

The architectural practice AWW was tasked with the redevelopment of the 1960s building, which accommodates 378 students in a range of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, over seven storeys. The project also included communal student spaces, including a gym, cinema, as well as individual and

group study rooms, in addition to external private amenity space.

Burning issue

Surprisingly, the original design for Crown Place did not include a fire sprinkler system. However, following the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, it was decided by the design team – which comprised Crown Student Living, AWW, F P Hurley and Sons, and the Local Authority Building Control Officer –that it would be beneficial to add a fire suppression system to the building.

“The difficulty we faced was that the building and services had already been designed and no space had been allowed for a traditional sprinkler system,” explains Marc Davies, senior project manager at F P Hurley and Sons (M&E sub-contractor).

Following some research it was proposed that a misting system was to be installed, accredited to BS8458.

“As a provider of accommodation for students, it is vital to meet the appropriate building regulations in regard to fire safety,” says Eddie Sibley, CPD manager at iMist, the company that designed and installed the fire suppression system. “There are many instances in which a fire can start, especially when housing a high volume of people.

“Candles, cooking appliances, incense and electrical goods are used excessively by students and increase the chances of a fire starting in the premises. Effective fire suppression installed into the student

Place student accommodation in Cardiff had already been designed when the Grenfell Tower fire highlighted the need for a fire suppression system

Photo: Julian James, courtesey of AWW architects

FIND

Left: Crown Place will house up to 378 students in a bespoke development close to Cardi University

Below: The system uses flexible hoses, so is quicker to install than standard water sprinkler systems

accommodation will prevent the spreading of any fires in the property and will keep the residents safe.”

High spec

The system design features a dual pump set located on each floor that serves the misting system and a separate pump to serve the communal area. Each pump set requires a dedicated water supply capable of providing a minimum of 24Lpm at 3 bar.

“I-Mist STX12 systems are an e ective form of fi re suppression working at a nominal pressure of 100 bar,” explains

Davies. “The pressure, in combination with calibrated discharge nozzles, produces extremely small droplets which make fi re suppressing extremely e ective.”

The main components of the system include: an electrically operated pump unit, located in a riser cupboard on each floor; a water supply filtration system to prevent dirt entering the system, which could potentially block the nozzles; inlet and outlet isolation valves, which can be used for servicing the pumps and to isolate the system in an emergency; audible and visual discharge indicator alarm that would sound on the unit if system is activated; volt-free contacts for remote monitoring which go back to the building monitoring system. The building management system is set up with critical alarms, such as the iMist system, which activate a sounder in reception.

BSI 9991 says you must have an Automatic Water Fire Suppression System (AWFSS) in the following circumstances:

Multi-basement buildings. Dwelling houses with one or more storey greater than 7.5m in height (four storeys).

Internal planning of flats and maisonettes.

Open plan layouts.

Provision of inner rooms in flats not more than 4.5m in height.

Extended travel distances within an open-plan flat.

Flats where occupants are not capable of independent evacuation.

When is a fi re suppression system legally required?

“It is vital to meet the appropriate building regulations in regard to fire safety”

Place’s

Set up

A fire suppression system acts to provide a rapid fire fighting response in the event of a fire incident, automatically responding with a water attack prior to the fire brigade’s arrival to safely evacuate the building’s occupants.

The system is activated by fire temperature alone, not smoke or burnt cooking. The closed frangible bulb-type nozzles are activated once the temperature rating of the nozzle bulb exceeds 57°C.

“The system is designed as a wet pipe system and so the pipe is normally charged with water at low pressure,” explains Davies. “In the event of a nozzle operating, the flow is monitored and, after a short delay, the pump started. Water is discharged as mist through the open

nozzle. More nozzles may operate over time depending on the fire size and location, until the maximum capacity of the system is reached.”

A single iMist nozzle uses a maximum of 8 litres of water per minute, compared with in excess of 50 litres per minute from a traditional sprinkler system. The pump outputs at 100 bar and requires only 1 bar incoming water pressure.

Fire protection systems are easy to install, cost-e ective and discreet. The nozzles have been designed to disappear into the ceiling landscape, only protruding 2cm. The aluminium nozzles are available in a range of colours to compliment or blend into their surroundings.

“We use high-quality flexible hoses with a stainless steel braiding and hydraulic fittings for our fire suppression system, which leads to a quick and smooth installation process,” explains Sibley. “Large volume installations are typically three times faster than an equivalent sprinkler system, even in the most challenging historical properties.”

Rapid response

The purpose of these water mist systems is to provide a form of defence prior to

Benefi ts of water mist systems

Damage control

Post-fire damage is reduced due to water mist fire suppression systems discharging less water and mist being able to evaporate quickly.

No tanks required

Unlike sprinkler systems, mist fire suppression doesn’t require any tanks, so you don’t have to lose valuable square footage.

Reduces heat and oxygen

As the mist attacks the fire, a percentage turns to steam particles that displace the heat and oxygen in the room, so all three parts of the fire triangle are attacked.

Quicker installation

iMist uses only a fraction of water and uses custom flexible hoses compared with traditional large pipework used with sprinkler companies.

Less water usage

Water mist fire suppression systems require, on average, 80% less water than traditional sprinkler systems, which is even less than a fire brigade would use.

Low cost

Due to installations being quicker, and less third-party requirements, iMist says it provides cost certainty fire suppression systems with no hidden costs.

arrival of the fire brigade, with iMist claiming a 100% success rate in suppressing live fires.

“The excellent fire suppression ability of fine water mist has been recognised for many years,” says Sibley. “This performance is due to the large total surface area of the droplets combined with the high speed at which they convert to steam, thus absorbing the energy of the fire. The average water fog droplet has a total surface area at least 100 times greater than that obtained by a conventional sprinkler system for the same volume of water.

“Having extinguished a fire, water mist will continue to cool the source, preventing reignition, and at the same time dramatically reducing the harmful products of combustion. By atomising the water into a fine mist, the droplets immediately convert to steam and absorb

Nozzles are designed to be discreet

The system includes an electronic pump on each floor

“The excellent fire suppression ability of fine water mist has been recognised for many years”

READ MORE

Find out about other interesting projects in our archived articles at pandhengineering.co.uk/ features

the energy, quickly suppressing and controlling the fire. Once the fire has been suppressed the droplets being discharged continue the effect by removing heat from the fuel source (i.e. liquid fuel, oil, plastics, fabrics, wood, cable and paper), thus preventing reignition. Additionally, this leads to a localised reduction in oxygen from the flame front, which creates a local inert atmosphere as it starves the combusting fuel of oxygen.”

All fire safety equipment requires an annual service and iMist services Crown Place every year to ensure the pumps are working efficiently, software updates are installed and nozzles are free from obstruction.

Appealing alternative

There are numerous benefits to installing a fire suppression system in addition to protecting lives. As these systems react rapidly after a fire breaks out, they offer protection to the property and as minimal water is used it also reduces post-fire refurbishment costs. There is also no need for a water supply tank, which saves space and installation time.

Although water mist systems have been used in the UK since the 1940s, they remain a fairly new concept in the market. However, they are gradually becoming better known by

Legislation

“We are governed by building regulations documents that refer to fire safety,” says Sibley. “The iMist system complies fully with British Standards (BS8458) and is LABC/ LABSS registered across England, Wales and Scotland. Some buildings require mandatory inclusion of fire suppression systems and there is more and more call these days for it to become mandatory in all properties – as it has been in Wales since 2016 (with very few exceptions).”

homeowners and property developers who are attracted to the benefits when compared to fire suppression alternatives.

The Grenfell Tower tragedy has undoubtedly served to highlight the inadequacies in fire safety regulation, but fire services and many other organisations have been lobbying for updates in fire safety regulations long before this incident.

“The need, demand and mandatory requirement for fire suppression systems continues to grow,” says Sibley. “It will, almost certainly, be a mandatory requirement across the UK sooner rather than later. As people become more aware that large amounts of water are not required to suppress fire, mist fire suppression systems are becoming the go-to option for these types of development.”

“The need, demand and mandatory requirement for fire suppression systems continues to grow”

ADVISE YOUR CUSTOMERS

Children should never be left unattended in a hot tub or pool

FUN IN THE SUN?

As the mercury rises, pools and hot tubs will be in frequent use, so it’s important that installers tell customers how to stay safe this summer

With the promise of warmer weather just around the corner, the British public will be heading into their gardens in droves, uncovering their hot tubs, digging out their kids’ paddling pools and untangling their hoses, ready for the summer sun. However, many people will be oblivious to the hazards that can impact them and their families, so it’s important that installers educate them on how to safely enjoy their pools and hot tubs.

Risky business

The combination of the initial lockdown and an unusually warm May in 2020 saw a huge increase in purchases of hot tubs, with sales on eBay rising by 1,080%.

Although hot tubs and pools are built for fun there are serious hazards such as backflow, scalding and the risk of legionella that people need to be made aware of.

“Sales of hot tubs soared during the first lockdown, but so did the risks,” says Jerry Whiteley, CIPHE technical manager. “And legionella cases were already on the increase before this.”

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia, caused by the legionella pneumophila bacterium found in warm water environments such as hot tubs. Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal but, if detected early, it can be treated.

Symptoms include loss of energy, high fever, dry cough, aching muscles, headache, chest pains and shortness of breath. Anyone with suspected Legionnaires’ disease must seek medical help immediately.

Keep it clean

When it comes to hot tubs it’s vital that the water they contain is clear, clean and hygienically safe. To achieve this consumers need to treat the water to BISHTA Standards with disinfectants, oxidisers, minerals and pH balancers.

Testing water to ensure it is safe and hygienic is important. Consumers can easily test water with an inexpensive kit to determine the pH and sanitiser levels, and make any adjustments required. Test strips and tablets have use-by dates, which are important to follow.

The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA) recommends the continuous use of a residual sanitiser –a substance that rapidly kills potentially harmful micro-organisms and leaves a residue in the water, which can be measured. A residual sanitiser must be used, irrespective of any other back-up equipment or substance, such as an ozone generator or mineral cartridge.

“Sanitiser kills bacteria and viruses that could be potentially harmful to

Hot

tubs:

how to optimise efficiency

1 COVER UP

It’s important to ensure the cover is replaced on the hot tub and fits snugly to avoid gaps where heat can escape.

2 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Maintaining the hot tub, including its cover, will ensure that it can retain heat and run efficiently.

3 QUALITY GOODS

Purchasing from a reputable manufacturer is prudent as cheaper options aren’t usually as well insulated and therefore will not retain heat well, costing more to run. Retailers should be able to offer advice on running costs.

bathers if left to multiply unchecked in warm water,” explains Chris Hayes, managing director of BISHTA and SPATA (the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association). “Hot tubs are small bodies of water with relatively high bathing loads. As water is used and recirculated, water treatment products and other particulates that aren’t removed by the filters build up over time, and there comes the point when even if correct water maintenance regimes are applied, the water looks and feels lank and lifeless, and the only corrective action remaining is to drain the hot tub down and refill.”

BISHTA recommends that water should be changed a minimum of every month and an absolute maximum of three months to maintain water quality. However, specific HSE guidelines apply to hot tubs in holiday lets and other business settings that require more regular draining and refilling.

Optimising efficiency

With the cost of living rising at an alarming rate, many consumers who invested in

a hot tub over the last couple of years will be looking for ways to cut down on running costs as energy tariffs rise.

Size matters and influences the running costs because the bigger the hot tub, the more expensive it will be to run as there’s more water to heat. While the average hot tub holds around 1,000 litres, swim spas contain in excess of 10,000 litres.

Water temperatures are typically set between 36°C and 40°C, but during hot weather this is often reduced. The higher the temperature, the more energy needed to maintain it and the more it will cost.

“When the cover is off, the ambient air temperature will also have a bearing,” says Hayes. “The greater the difference between the water temperature and the air temperature, the more rapidly heat is lost. Obviously, the more the hot tub is used –when the cover is off, and the pumps (and blowers, where fitted) are running – the more it will cost to run as, not only do you have to factor in electricity required to drive a pump or blower, but an agitated, aerated water surface will lose heat faster than calm water.”

In the experience of BISHTA members, typical costs can range between £1 and £2 per day (for an average use of a halfhour per day) for a quality hot tub from a reputable manufacturer. However, with energy price increases this is likely to cost considerably more.

“Water treatment chemicals are other costs associated with owning and running a hot tub,” adds Hayes. “Chemicals are a vital requirement in ensuring that hot tub water is kept clear, clean and hygienic. Allowing an annual budget of approximately £300 should cover water treatment chemical requirements, though more frequently used hot tubs and swim spas may require a bigger budget.”

Water waste

Although many consumers are now more mindful of their water consumption, this precious resource can still be wasted, particularly when using hot tubs and temporary pools.

“We are facing water shortages now and in the very near future we can expect to see big changes coming

Regular maintenance will keep a hot tub running efficiently

our way with our usage, designing systems and installing products that will all be energy saving and conserving water,” predicts Whiteley.

“Using leisure products, that might be deemed wasteful by some, may soon become even more of a luxury item than when first purchased.”

If anything will encourage consumers to curb their consumption of water it’s the cost. According to Water UK, water bills will rise by almost 2% in England and Wales this year, which could see the use of hot tubs and temporary pools drop.

Danger zone

According to the CIPHE, there has been an increase in people filling play pools and hot tubs with hot water directly from the dwelling’s hot water system, which greatly increases the risk of burns and scalds.

A CIPHE member actually witnessed a householder filling a pool with hot water directly from the hot tap, via a hose pipe, with no cold water blended or backflow prevention.

“Hot water is category 2 because it has been heated,” explains Whiteley, “However when discharged into a swimming pool or hot tub the category changes again as the equipment is filled because there might be chemicals added. It can even become as high as category 5, depending on the circumstances of use.

“What is also a grave concern is the hot water filling this pool or hot tub might be at a temperature of 55°C. This was the case at the previously mentioned incident with no one watching over the

Useful resources

BISHTA is the UK’s independent trade association for the hot tub industry, setting the industry standards and promoting high standards of safety and enjoyment by registering suppliers of spas, hot tubs, accessories, and water purification products.

Check the BISHTA website

filling. Leaving a leisure pool or hot tub unattended whilst filling directly from a hot water system is just an accident waiting to happen.”

Backflow

When filling hot tubs or pools, backflow prevention must be considered, but generally it isn’t something that people are aware of. It’s a good idea for installers to speak to their customers about the risks to ensure that they have the right devices in place to prevent backflow occurring when filling their pools and hot tubs.

“Hot tubs are generally sited in the same place each time they are used; therefore, a suitable thermostatic tap and backflow device should be applied,” says Whiteley. “Of course, the water is mostly heated using electricity for hot tubs at great expense, but some people are adding the home system to speed up the process.”

Due to the possibility of contamination, particularly with faecal matter, the water in a spa pool or hot tub is categorised as fluid category 5 – the highest level of risk to public health, should the fluid contaminate drinking water.

“The Regulations and Bylaws specify that the water supply upstream of a spa pool or hot tub must be protected against backflow by installing a recognised fluid category 5 backflow prevention arrangement, such as an AA or AB air gap,” explains Hayes. “Maintaining a suitable air gap between the water already in the spa pool or hot tub and water being added will ensure that there is no possibility of back siphonage, which could contaminate

for details of their member companies and use their easy postcode search map to find members close by. www.bishta.co.uk

The Health Protection Agencies, including Health Protection England and the Health and Safety Executive,

recognise and consider the use of oxidising biocides essential for the control of legionella and other infectious agents in spa-pool systems, such as chlorine, bromine or PHMB (Biguanide). For more information, visit www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ books/hsg282.htm

MANIFESTO TWO FOR TWENTY-TWO: SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF THE PUBLIC

CIPHE’s recommendations:

Introduce further legislation around the installation and use of domestic hot tubs and spa baths.

Implement a public awareness campaign to reduce the risks of scalding, burns and legionella.

CIPHE’s actions:

CIPHE to work with fellow trade and engineering organisations to lobby the government to take meaningful action on the public health issues facing the industry today.

The CIPHE’s Working Groups to ensure members have access to high quality technical and educational materials addressing the safety, health and wellbeing of the public.

Improve the quality of online information for members and consumers around public health issues.

the drinking water supplies in the mains water system.

“Water suppliers have agreed, through the WRAS Technical Committee, that it is acceptable for a spa pool or hot tub, used only by the occupants of a single privately owned or rented domestic property, to be topped up using a handheld hosepipe supplied from a hose union tap protected by a double check valve (fluid category). This is providing that the hose is fitted with a self-closing trigger mechanism; the hose is not immersed in the spa pool or hot tub, drains or any other fluid, and a clear air gap is maintained at all times between the end of the hose pipe and the water in the hot tub being filled.”

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about the risks, download HSE’s guide - The control of legionella and other infectious agents in spa-pool system - which can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/ pubns/books/hsg282.htm

HERE COMES THE SUN

As the British public look for alternative ways to reduce their energy consumption and the associated costs, increasing numbers of people are turning to the sun as a free source of energy. Despite the UK’s typically inclement weather, households can still harness the power of solar energy to contribute towards heating their hot water.

Inner workings

Solar thermal heating systems use solar panels to absorb the sun’s heat, which is then transferred to the water for use in

homes. Although these systems will continue to provide hot water during the colder months, the output is considerably less than during the warmer summer months.

Although solar thermal panels look similar to solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, they carry out di erent tasks. PV panels are used to produce electricity, which can be diverted to heat water. However, solar water heating is more e cient.

“Solar thermal technology works in conjunction with conventional water heating systems to reduce the amount of energy needed to bring the water up to

temperature,” explains Ghassan Beldawi, technical manager at Woodford Heating. “By using the heat absorbed by the panels to pre-heat the water in the storage cylinder, these systems can help save energy, while reducing running costs and carbon emissions.”

Solar water heating systems can either use flat plate panels or evacuated tubes, which collect solar energy and convert the infrared portion of light into heat. The collectors are filled with a water and glycol solution. This fluid is pumped round a circuit, which passes through the hot water cylinder.

In direct or open-loop systems, the water heated by the solar panels goes directly into the domestic hot water cylinder. However, these are rarely used

Solar thermal technology works with conventional water heating systems to save energy and money

Pros of solar thermal panels

regular maintenance, such as checking the pressure gauge to ensure there are no leaks.

Most installation companies offer an annual service check, but it’s advised that systems are thoroughly checked every five years. This must include the draining and flushing of the system and replacement of the fluid because the anti-freeze protection offered by the glycol will reduce over time, leading to inefficient operating.

There are other components within a solar thermal system, such as the pump and valves, which must be well maintained to ensure equipment is in good working order. Regular servicing will not only minimise running costs and optimise efficiency, but maximise the life span of the system too.

Untapped resource

Although conventional boilers and hot water cylinder systems are often compatible with solar water heating, the significant potential of hot water storage has been overlooked in the Heat and Buildings Strategy.

Good to know

A boiler or immersion heater is needed to supply hot water through the winter and to supplement supply on cloudy days. Installing an average solar water heating system costs £3,000 to £5,000.

Solar water heating systems are not always compatible with combi boilers. Gravity-fed heating systems will require an extra valve or pump.

A solar-compatible water cylinder, which is large enough to hold around two days of hot water, will be required.

in the UK due to the risk of freezing or overheating. Therefore, most solar water heating systems in the UK use the indirect method where the heat absorbed from the sun is transferred to the water in the hot water cylinder via a copper coil.

Although these systems work all year, water will still need to be heated further with a boiler or immersion heater, particularly during the colder months. According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), during the summer these systems should provide around 90% of a household’s hot water requirements, dropping to around 25% in the winter.

Aftercare

As with any piece of equipment, solar thermal heating systems will require

Energy storage technologies can play an integral role in the zero carbon strategy, yet hot water cylinders have not been recognised as a resource to help the green infrastructure in the UK.

Isaac Occhipinti, director of external affairs for the Hot Water Association, said: “If the government is serious about decarbonisation then we need to encourage homeowners, at the very minimum, to keep their hot water cylinder in order to future proof their heating system and maximise the UK’s energy storage potential.

“In addition to meeting multi-outlet demand, storage systems are essential partners to any renewable energy input as these sources need to be harvested and stored. Hot water storage is the only practical solution to turning the energy into something useful and banking it for when it needs to be used.”

Despite the potential positive impact hot water storage technology can have in helping to reach government targets, the problem lies in encouraging property developers to create the space for them.

Mike Foster, chief executive officer of the Energy and Utilities Alliance, said: “As we move to an increasingly more thermally efficient new build, the space heating load reduces from its current levels, but our hot water demand remains constant. Hot water is often overlooked in the debate around net zero. Hot water cylinders can utilise renewable solar, renewable wind and yes, work with clean gas too. That versatility needs to be recognised.”

FIND OUT MORE

For more information, visit: energysavingtrust.org.uk

C UT ENERGY BILLS

RE DUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT

M INIMAL RUNNING COSTS

L OW MAINTENANCE

Solar thermal panels could provide 90% of a household’s hot water in summer

EDUCATION

VIEWS, NEWS AND DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING NEW RECRUITS TO OUR INDUSTRY

All aboard

Jerry Whiteley looks at the availability of heat pump-focused training for installers and designers to see if education is keeping pace with technology

Heat pump training has been around for some years, but these days there is a new wave of interest thanks to the Heat and Buildings Strategy and the Future Homes Standard. Learning centres in this area range from private training providers and colleges, to manufacturers, professional or trade bodies and awarding organisations. However, there are also some that are enticing installers with courses that seem too good to be true.

Gas Safe Registered installers are probably the

largest single group that will be impacted by the reduction in the use of fossil fuels. Then, of course, there will be oil engineers, HETAS-recognised installers and those already doing other renewable energy courses via the MCS register.

A sensible starting point when considering any new training might be to ask what your business requires and whether your training needs are in the long term or short term. Are you seeking to train only on air source heat pumps, or across the range of units available? The breadth of

training varies from one manufacturer or training centre to another, so it’s worth doing your research to identify a starting point and setting a training budget.

Design

Installers will need to start with a thorough knowledge about the environment and customers’ expectations before they decide that a heat pump is suitable.

The priority is to understand that each case will merit a unique design, which will address:

• heat loss through the building fabric and heat input;

• hot water usage and sizing for lower temperatures, which could lead to a bigger cylinder and heat exchanger;

• pipe sizing – just because the heat pump connections might be 22mm doesn’t necessarily mean that the pipes are the same size;

• r adiators will likely need to be larger, especially in a refurbishment project.

This is where those who design will learn the concepts required from the previous high temperature methods applied.

Courses

The CIPHE has been one of the first organsiations to roll out a digital designing programme for lower temperature heating and hot water systems. Its Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Systems in Dwellings qualification contains

SUSTAINABILITY

everything required for the designer and installer to upskill their knowledge. The accredited and certificated course is run in conjunction with LCL Awards Heat Pump training, via their many centres (see page 5 for details).

Completion of this course is one of the entry criteria for taking the new installers’ course from the Heat Pump Association (heatpumps.org. uk). This course, developed in parallel with the CIPHE’s qualification and launched last year, consists of a two-day foundation followed by a further day focusing on either air source or ground source heat pumps specifically, and it is delivered through training centres of some of Britain’s major heat pump companies.

Manufacturers are ahead of the field with product-specific training. This is to be expected as they are familiar with the technology, which is developing quickly.

Manufacturers’ courses range from one, two or three days, based upon the appliances and depth of knowledge across their range. The skills of installation are mostly going to be developed on the job, as you can’t expect everyone in attendance to install one in every possible scenario.

The advantages of undertaking manufacturers’ training could include:

• specific product knowledge

• excellent technical support

• flexible delivery

• high quality facilities and training with some offering

manufacturers’ software to work with afterwards

• incentives given to train up and increase business turnover

• they might offer one free commissioning visit

• more training locations.

The criteria for accessing the courses varies from one manufacturer or training centre to another. However, they are aimed at those with experience, not new entrants.

Colleges are gearing up to train people to use these technologies and, although some have been delivering renewables in the past, new equipment is on the way.

The government has allocated investment into the further education sector for this shift away from high carbon fuels, so many colleges are either building new training areas or adapting them. Not all are ready yet – college staff need to be trained up as well.

Entry to college training programmes is like that of a manufacturer, but most of their offerings are accredited/ certificated with further training opportunities available. Accredited courses are held with BPEC and LCL Awards, with the former currently being reviewed. City and Guilds is looking into the viability of running a course and EAL may follow suit. The CIPHE recommends the certificated route.

Starting out

New entrants completing the level 3 apprenticeship, which incorporates a renewables

route, will learn about more than just heat pumps. You can apply for a fully funded level 3 plumbing course at your local college until July 2022 (this may be extended).

It is anticipated that a new Low Carbon Apprenticeship Standard will be launched this year. At present there are no age limits for access to apprenticeships. You can also enquire about the National Skills Fund (see bit.ly/3Mu4vi1). This means you might get the level 3 course totally free, saving thousands of pounds if you don’t already possess a level 3 qualification.

There are some courses being offered which say they will take someone from novice to fully qualified at level 3 plumbing and heating, plus gas installations and work experience. However, the cost in most cases is astronomical and the delivery is spread over two or three years with much of the learning online. You really need to scrutinise these courses. Whenever something new hits the market there is always an increased risk of scams taking advantage of it. Check out how many times the training providers have come

and gone under different names, and ask the CIPHE for advice if needed.

Cost

While some heat pump training is free, the cost can rise to £600 plus VAT. Some manufacturers provide free or incentivised training to attract new installers for their products and forge a long-term relationship.

Education on low-carbon heating products is being developed across a range of areas and there are some great courses with varying costs, but before signing up to anything, ensure you do your homework. A blend of manufacturer, accredited and certificated training is going to give the best recognised achievements. If seeking an apprenticeship through your local college, get in early as spaces might be limited.

Everyone should have knowledge of designing the system before selecting the heat source, which is why the CIPHE’s new Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Systems in Dwellings course is a great starting point.

Manufacturers offer training in installing the specific units they offer

“Installers will need a thorough knowledge of customers’ expectations before they decide a heat pump is suitable”

FIND OUT MORE

For

New recruit

City College Plymouth became a new CIPHE Approved Training Centre in 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic. Jerry Whiteley visited the college in March to deliver a talk on what’s changing in the industry and how to gain an apprenticeship.

“Through CIPHE membership, the Approved Training Centre status demonstrates how a college gains CPD for sta , industrial engagement with industry and keeps everyone abreast of changes,” says Whiteley. “It’s really important that colleges do this and can show evidence to their local community, potential employers and Ofsted or awarding body criteria. The list of benefits are many and all are aimed at improving learning.”

Speaking to the group of level 3 students on how they might improve their prospects of gaining an apprenticeship, Whiteley pointed out the importance of work experience and how it can lead to an apprenticeship. The advantages of owning some basic tools was also a topic of conversation.

Changing times

He also spoke about the change to renewables and the higher cost of fossil fuels making technology like solar thermal cost e ective, as well as hydrogen’s role that may come into play sooner than 2030, with more localised renewables brought into play as the UK tries to be less reliant on other countries for energy.

All attendees were given free trainee membership to

the CIPHE, which can also help to attract potential employers, including members, as it shows dedication to the industry. Membership as an Approved Training Centre o ers many benefits to the college, its sta and students:

• free trainee membership while the college remains a member

• free registration for sta as members, according to their qualifications

• access to qualified members to gain further knowledge, seek employment or work experience

• access to bespoke digital software the CIPHE has specifically developed for FE colleges as well as other online resources.

Our industrial associates are always seeking ways to engage with colleges and in particular those who are

Approved Training Centres. Many like to o er support with resources to enrich learning at all levels. This might be via joint online learning with the CIPHE, site visits to deliver sessions, o ering equipment at reduced cost or in many cases for free. Students and sta all benefit from the latest equipment and training upon it.

Learning programmes change and the new T levels and level 3 apprenticeship standards are the latest challenges. The CIPHE is involved with all awarding bodies and their developments. This knowledge is shared with colleges to prepare them for changes and support.

The college membership gives a 360-degree engagement aimed at supporting education and training throughout its academic year, every year.

Jerry Whiteley (right) presenting the Approved Training Centre plaque at City College Plymouth

more information about our Approved Training Centres or to enrol your training centre, email membership@ciphe.org.uk

Becoming a CIPHE Approved Training Centre o ers numerous benefits

TRAINING CENTRES

Low profile UFH systems are becoming more popular than radiators for low-temperature heating

Advice on sizing underfloor heating (UFH) systems when using heat pumps

As low profile UFH systems are becoming the preferred solution for low-temperature heating instead of radiators, it’s important that installers and designers consider the lower heating system Ts that are common with a heat pump system.

Objectives of this short CPD:

• Identify the mean water temperature of a UFH system.

• Understand the e ect on the heat output of a pipe in screed UFH systems with respect of mean water temperature and the spacing of the UFH pipes within the screed.

• Calculate the amount of UFH pipe within a typical room.

• Analyse the e ects on the heat output of the UFH system at various flow and

return temperatures.

• Calculate the required flow rate through a UFH loop to achieve the desired floor heat output.

• Understand the e ect on the pressure drop through a UFH pipe loop at various system Ts.

• Carry out the example CPD question.

Step-by-step floor heating calculation

Step one: Calculate the heat loss of the room

Step two: Calculate the heat output of your UFH system type

Step three: Calculate the total metres of UFH pipe required

Step four: Calculate the flow rate required Step five: Calculate the circuit pressure loss

ADVICE ON SIZING UNDERFLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH HEAT PUMPS

PAUL HARMER CIPHE lead technical consultant CEng MIET Paul is a chartered engineer who has consulted and led on many high-profile plumbing and heating industry projects paulh@ciphe.org.uk

Paul Harmer looks at the importance of sizing UFH systems accurately when using heat pumps

Example room plan

Calculating heat output

STEP 1

Calculate the heat loss of the room. For the purpose of this simple example, a room heat loss of 1500 Watts is required, which is a specific heat loss of 75 W/m2 (see figure 1). (1500 Watts / 20m2 = 75 W/m2).

Pipe spacing

Calculating required UFH pipe length

Mean water temperature and pipe spacing

STEP 2

Calculate the heat output of your UFH system type using the nomograph in figure 2. A pipe in screed system has been chosen for this example with a floor covering resistance of R 0.1 and a heating system mean water temperature (MWT) of 45°C. To achieve a floor heat output of 75 W/m2 at a MWT of 45°C, the UFH pipework need to be spaced at 200mm pipe centres.

STEP 3

Using figure 3, calculate the total number of metres of UFH pipe required for the 20m 2 room using the pipe centres from step 2. A 20m2 room with pipes spaced at 200mm requires 100m of pipe work. The total pipework length including the connecting pipework is 120m. As a rule of thumb, 15/16mm diameter

FIGURE 4

Calculating flow rate

10 ΔT THE FIX | UFH DESIGN

Temperature di erence (ΔT) Flow Rate (l/s)

5 ΔT

1.5 kW

0.07 l/s

FIGURE 5

Calculating circuit pressure

Internal pipe diameter (mm) Flow Rate (l/s) Velocity (m/s) Pressure drop (Pa/m) (m/s)

pipe would require a maximum circuit length of 100m. Therefore, in this instance, you would split this room into two separate circuits.

STEP 4

Using the mass flow nomograph (fi gure 4), calculate the total flow rate required for the room for a T of 5°C. The total room heat loss is 1500 watts or 1.5 kw (floor area 20m2 x 75 W/m2 = 1500 Watts).

Flow rate for a T 5 (red line): 0.07 l/s Flow rate for a T 10 (green line): 0.035 l/s

STEP 5

Calculate the pressure drop per metre of pipe and total pressure drop for the plastic 15mm UFH pipework (ID 13mm).

Total pressure drop for a T 5 (Red line): 120metres of pipe x 300 Pa/m = 36,000 Pa or 36kPa or 3.6 metre head of pressure.

Note: you should always check the available head of pressure of the UFH pump at the manifold to ensure that the index circuit pressure drop can deliver the required flow to all circuits.

Taking the next steps

300 Pa/m 0.53 m/s 0.07 l/s 13 mm

Whilst this method is a good exercise to carry out before designing a complete underfloor heating system, you should always consult the specific manufacturer of the UFH system you're using, as di erent systems will have di erent characteristics. There are also other factors that come into play, such as the maximum floor surface temperature, which is critical depending on which floor covering you're going to apply once the system is installed. For example, a tiled floor finish will have a maximum temperature of 29°C, whereas this would be 27°C for a timber floor. Careful consideration of all these factors, and regular communication with the customer, should be planned into the pre-design stage before installation work begins.

TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

Visit the Advice section on the P&H Engineering website to find archived TechTalk articles www.pandhengineering.co.uk

By the book

Did you know that some plumbing work requires advanced notifi cation to and consent from the local water supplier prior to installation? Doing so not only ensures the work being undertaken is compliant, but could even help streamline your project, removing unnecessary fi ttings and costs.

Advanced notifi cation

Regulation 5 of the Water Supply (Water fittings) Regulations 1999 in England and Wales, and the associated Byelaws and Regulations in Scotland and Northern Ireland, sets out the type of work that requires advanced notification. This includes things like:

• changing the use of a premises;

• extending or altering a plumbing system in any premises other than a single dwelling (there are specifi c exemptions);

• the erection of a new premises;

• the installation of some specifi c fittings/systems.

Regulation 5 notifi cation for new premises is usually incorporated into a water supplier's new connections

process, so you usually do this without even realising. It’s the other types of plumbing work that people often overlook the need to notify and this is where problems can occur. Changing the use of a premises, from a convenience store to a vet's practice, for example, requires advanced notifi cation and consent. The reason for this is the risk posed by the plumbing system can change depending on the use of the fittings within that premises.

A convenience store may have a toilet and wash hand basin and perhaps a small kitchen for the sta to use, but a vet's practice may have things like dish and clothes washing machine for cleaning equipment used during the treatment of animals. There may be other surgical equipment and areas

Changing the use of a premises will require advanced notification

Gareth Harris , Water Regulations Technical Manager at Welsh Water, discusses the importance of regulation 5 notifi cation

“The risk posed by the plumbing system can be changed depending on the use of the fittings within that premises”

used to clean up after treatment, all of which could contain harmful substances that could affect water quality and public health.

Safe supply

Notifying the water supplier of a proposed change of use can help ensure the new plumbing system, or use of the existing plumbing system, does not contaminate the water supply. Notifying the water company is a quick and easy process. Most water suppliers have their own notification form that they will ask you to complete. Usually you will be asked to provide additional information such as a schematic drawing and details of the products to be installed.

The water supplier will then assess the proposed installation to see if it complies with Water Regulations. You should consider this as a sense check and there is no charge for assessing

notifications for compliance with the regulations.

On receipt of a complete notification, the water supplier should respond either granting consent, granting consent with reasonable conditions applied, or withholding consent, within 10 working days. Whether you formally hear back from the water supplier or not, the installation must still comply with all parts of the regulations.

Positive outcome

So why wouldn’t you submit a notification to the water supplier? Not only are you complying with the law by doing so, but you are getting a free check on your proposed work. It’s better to know that what you are proposing to install is going to comply with the Water Regulations before you install it, rather than facing enforcement action and potentially criminal prosecution, if an inspection of the work highlights any non-compliance.

Whilst processing a notification is not a design service, there have been occasions where over engineering in a proposed installation has been identified. Identifying such instances and receiving feedback on the proposed installation can save money by removing unnecessary fittings from the installation.

Useful contacts

• For more information on how to notify Welsh Water, visit www.dwrcymru.com/ en/help-advice/water-regulations

• For contact details of the water regulations departments of other water companies visit www.waterregsuk.co.uk/ contacts/water-company-contacts

• For England and Wales: www.legislation.gov.uk/ uksi/1999/1148/contents/made

• For Scotland: www.scottishwater.co.uk/-/ media/ScottishWater/Document-Hub/ Business-and-Developers/ Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent/170718swb yelawsexplained.pdf

• For Northern Ireland: www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2009/255/ contents/made

Exemptions

Regulation 5 also makes some exemptions for Approved Contractors – those who hold Registered Plumber status with the CIPHE and/or WaterSafe. This means that approved contractors can submit self-certification of completed work, rather than having to submit advanced notification. This speeds up the process at the front end for both the customer and approved contractor, not having to wait for consent to be granted.

For full details of the types of work that are notifiable and the information required to support it, please refer to the relevant legislation where you are working. You should always speak to the water supplier in the area you are working to understand exactly how you should proceed and what information should be included in a notification.

FIND OUT MORE

CIPHE members can register with WaterSafe for free. WaterSafe approved plumbers can self-notify certain types of work. Find out more at watersafe.org.uk/howtojoin

Approved contractors can self-certify in some cases

“There have been occasions where over engineering in a proposed installation has been identified”

Water regulations 1

Which regulation sets out the requirements for notification?

a Regulation 3 b Regulation 4 c Regulation 5 d Regulation 6

A bath with a capacity greater than what requires notification to the water supplier?

a 150 litres b 200 litres c 230 litres d 250 litres

A pump drawing more than how many litres per minute, connected either directly or indirectly to a supply pipe, requires notification prior to installation?

a 3l/min b 6l/min c 9l/min d 12l/min

True or false: the installation of an ascending spray bidet by an approved contractor does not require advanced notification, the approved contractor can submit self-certification post installation? a True b False 5

The Regulations aim to prevent which of the following? a Contamination, waste and stealing b Contamination, waste, misuse, undue consumption and erroneous measurement c Contamination, waste and metering d Contamination, misuse and erroneous measurement

KEEPING UP YOUR CPD? For all the 2021 answers go to www.pandhengineering.co.uk

YOUR CPD CIPHE members are expected to complete 30 hours of CPD each year. Completion of these assessments can count towards this requirement.

WHAT

TO

6

The construction of a pond or swimming pool greater than what capacity requires advanced notification?

a 1,000 litres b 2,000 litres c 5,000 litres d 10,000 litres 7

An approved contractor as defined in the regulations is as a person who is… a approved by the site foreman b approved by a water undertaker or an organisation specifi ed by the regulator c approved by the person’s employer d approved by the person for who they are working

DO Answer the questions (using an additional A4 sheet if necessary) and return by scanning and emailing or posting to the address below. YOUR DETAILS Please complete this form YOUR NAME: CIPHE MEMBERSHIP NUMBER: EMAIL: RETURN TO: CPD Assessment, CIPHE, 64 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 6NB

info@ciphe.org.uk Or visit the members-only area of the CIPHE website: www.ciphe.org.uk/cpd

Space savers

Duravit’s portfolio includes compact product variants that incorporate a range of materials, surfaces and colours to create a feel-good factor. Popular designer ranges, such as Cape Cod by Philippe Starck or Viu/XViu from Sieger Design, o er the perfect choice for compact rooms. With its organically curved forms and unique velvety look and feel, the free-standing Cape Cod bathtub, measuring 1650 x 780 mm, is eye-catching in a room of any size. www.duravit.co.uk

FITTINGS

Under pressure

REHAU is launching a new range of modular tee fittings. Available in any configuration of pre-fabricated 25mm-110mm outlets, over 600 modular tee combinations have been set up in advance, with larger sizes up to 160mm also due to become available in the future. Each modular fitting is pre-assembled in the factory, then individually pressure tested, meaning there is no need for any modular tee assembly on site. www.rehau.uk/districtheating

pandhengineering@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk

In the mix

GAINSBOROUGH’S NEW range of mixer showers includes three premium models, incorporating thermostatic temperature control with Cool Touch technology. Customers can select from a high-pressure round or square dual outlet shower, or a single outlet bar mixer model with integrated soap dish. A versatile three spray mode handset is supplied with the round head showers. Also available are a dual outlet shower with round or square head design and thermostatic temperature control, as well as a space-saving manual mixer shower, ideal for smaller bathrooms or over-bath use.

www.gainsboroughshowers.co.uk

VALVES

Multi-tasker

Altecnic’s new compact Apartment Control Assembly valve is available in five di erent configurations and is compatible with three di erent water meter options. It can be ordered as a standalone monobloc with the option to add a moulded insulation cover and gauge, with a non-pulsed hot/cold water meter, a water meter with MBUS connectivity, or a class D water meter. www.altecnic.co.uk/aca

TOOLS

Tight bite

The Cobra® range from KNIPEX now includes versions that will get virtually any job done. All products in the range family are self-locking to pipes and nuts. The teeth, which are o set against the direction of rotation, enable this e ect for perfect, e cient gripping, holding, pressing and bending. The range comes in a range of sizes. www.knipex.com/en-uk

SHOWERS

MEMBERSHIP

A new digital home for the CIPHE and for you

SAINTY

CIPHE membership director

Tim looks after the growing CIPHE membership, enhancing services for members and improving communications

tims@ciphe.org.uk

+44 (0)1708 463102

After what has seemed a very long two years, with the occasional interruption by factors outside of our control (you may have noticed them on the news), we are delighted to have fi nally launched our new website at ciphe.org.uk.

Self-service for members

• Update your personal details and contact information

• Renew your membership online

• Sign up to be listed on our online member directory

• Add more information to your profile if you are listed on CIPHE: Find a Plumber or Heating Engineer

• Register an interest in additional recognition such as registration with Engineering Council or as an Approved Contractor Person

• Upload events to the CIPHE events calendar

• Buy professional guides, books and resources at member discounted prices in our online shop

• Access lots of CIPHE member-only free content, such as pdf versions of sections from the CIPHE

Plumbing and Engineering Services Design Guide and how-to videos

• Record and track your CPD in our mycareerpath® professional development system

Information and advice

As a registered charity, we also have an essential role in communicating with consumers and we have a wealth of advice about plumbing health hazards, protecting yourself from the risk of hiring a rogue trader, plumbing emergencies and, in light of recent increases, a dedicated area on fuel and water poverty and tips to help keep bills lower. There is also an online ‘verify a member’ service that you can direct your customers to so they can confi rm your membership and now they are paying for the services of a trusted professional.

But, it’s not just the public who can benefit from CIPHE resources – industry news,

CIPHE press releases, campaigns and our manifesto are all here to keep you informed and up to date with what is going on. You can also search our Industrial Associate Directory and find a CIPHE Approved Training Centre to support the professional needs of you and your business.

Register today

Providing this facility for members means it is more important than ever that we have an up-to-date email address for you. If you have not yet provided us with one, contact our Membership Team on 01708 463116 and activate your online membership today.

Already we are working on further developments, with further plans to deliver tools and calculators to help you in your work and a place to support you with your continued professional development and learning.

So, if you haven’t already done so, now is the time to register and start to really make the most of your membership. You can do so today at www.ciphe.org.uk/ members-and-shop/ existing-member-onlineregistration

TIM

You’ll find a whole host of services, benefits, members-only content and information at the new-look website for the CIPHE

“The site has been created to give you more control”

Ken Vance EngTech MCIPHE and Salamander Pumps

It was bittersweet to see Kev Vance EngTech MCIPHE recognised with the Contribution to Skills and Training Award at this year’s Pump Industry Awards. Sadly, and with so much still to give, Ken died way too young in November of last year.

Ken was a qualifi ed plumber who worked for Salamander Pumps, and threw himself wholeheartedly into revolutionising how plumbing and heating engineering training could

be delivered, developing the Salamander E-School that is used by re-sellers, installers and colleges across the UK and Ireland.

Our own Technical Team worked closely with Ken in delivering digital animations and tools to display how Salamander Pumps work as a part of the wider home plumbing system to help with education. All of us loved working with him and there isn’t an industry exhibition or event that won’t miss his presence.

CIPHE members’ recognition in industry competitions

The 2022 regional winners, as well as the finalists for the Rising Star and Most Sustainable Installer categories of the Heating Installer Awards have been announced! A number of CIPHE members

have made the cut including Craig Gilhome (North East) and Paul Clark (North West) as Regional winners, and Alan Marcon as a most sustainable installer finalist.

Far be it from me to suggest that CIPHE members should all go and vote for their favourite other CIPHE members, but if you did want to do that (or even if you wanted to look at all of the other entrants), you can do so at www.heatinginstaller awards.co.uk/vote

SURVEY

Royal Academy of Engineering survey of UK engineers

The Royal Academy of Engineering brings together professionals from across all parts of the engineering and technology sector. This year, they have committed to an engineering ethics audit survey and they are desperately keen to collect responses from as wide a range of engineers as possible.

The survey is in three parts and covers:

• the respondent’s own behaviours and motivations;

• how the respondent’s workplace a ects their behaviours and motivations;

• the values and behaviours that in practice seem important in the respondent’s workplace.

It is available until 31 May via survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90430286/ Survey-engineering-professionals-UK-2022

CIPHE members are encouraged to participate and make sure that the plumbing and heating industry is represented.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022

Don’t forget that you can attend this year’s AGM, to be held on Friday 17 June at 11am. The meeting will be held at 150 Minories, Aldgate, London EC3N 1LS and will also be accessible remotely for members who cannot attend in person.

Further details are available from Leslsey Church ( lesleyc@ciphe.org.uk)

Stay in touch with what’s happening at CIPHE-HKB – visit ciphe.org.hk

By CIPHE-HKB Honorary Technical Advisor group (Ir Ben K.C. YUEN and Ir Dr. Horace K.W. MUI) and CIPHE-HKB Committees (Ir Derek T.S. CHAN,

Designing cold water systems to avoid leaks

Water leakage is one of the major problems in buildings in Hong Kong. It poses a health problem for occupants – both physical and in terms of mental stress – and causes structural deterioration to the building as well as damage to the building’s internal finish. According to a study from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government Legislative Council Secretariat in 2019, there were 36,684 complaints about water damage the previous year, up by 43% from 2010.

Common causes of water leaks in buildings are:

• bad design

• poor workmanship

• inappropriate usage of construction materials

• deterioration of materials

• inadequate maintenance

• improper usage/ decoration progress

• deteriorated waterproofing around baths, showers and bathroom walls

• leakage from water supply pipes of the flat or surrounding flats

• leakage from the drainage pipes of the flat or surrounding flats

• leakage of waste water or rain water through the building envelope such as the roof/external wall

In this article we discuss some essential design and operation measures to prevent water leaks.

1. Positioning and fixing requirements for pipework

In accordance with Water Supplies Department’s (WSD) regulation, no water pipe shall be embedded within load-bearing structural elements (such as columns, beams and slabs) in a longitudinal direction. However, for aesthetic reasons, plumbing pipework is often concealed – for example, in screed

Emil H.C. LAU, Michael K.H. KWAN, Ray C.W. LAU)

Pipe concealed in screed

Alternatively, to enhance protection for the room and its contents, the tray can be enclosed or even take the form of a pipe-within-pipe structure (see figure 3, below).

These allow an alert to be sent to the building management team, allowing the pipe to discharge to a more conspicuous position, and can be supplemented with an audio-visual warning device to reduce the searching time and tackle the incident as quickly as possible.

check meters (if any) will be provided by the WA. The purchaser/grantee will need to supply (except for smart water meters), install and commission the AMR outstation according to the requirements specified by the WA.

(see figure 1, above), under tiles, in internal (non-load bearing) walls, in recessed openings or under a suspended floor, where it is easy to access.

2. Provision of drip trays with leak detection for water-sensitive areas Normally, engineers should avoid locating water pipes in water-sensitive-areas – for example, rooms full of computers. However, sometimes this is unavoidable. Drip trays are a cost effective and simple solution that helps reduce the risk of water ingress. In addition, drip trays can be installed with a water leak detection and locating system (see figure 2, below) to give an early warning and help the tradesperson to locate leaks quickly and accurately. These systems raise an alarm that gives an accurate location of a leak at a specific zone within the drip trays.

FIGURE 2

Drip tray with leak detector

3.

Adoption of innovative automatic meter reading (AMR) system

With the adoption of an AMR System, we can record and monitor historical metering data, status outputs and alert signals for water meters. The

FIGURE 3

Pipe-within-pipe solution

The data is automatically sent to WSD through the local Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network for analysis to help identify early signs of leaks in the mains. Remedial works are arranged according to the analysis results so that potential leaks can be promptly located for repair.

In utilising similar technology, the meter reading can include further analysis and interface with other systems to enhance leak protection features, such as alerts for:

• in commercial buildings, abnormal water flow and /or demand after operating hours, during long holidays or in areas without occupancy through the security/ access control system

• unusually large and continuous duration of high demand.

These could be signs of a water leak and the building management team should act on the information straight away, or shut off the water supply when abnormal readings are found, to minimise the risk of water damage. This is especially important in commercial premises with computer rooms and/or a raised floor system.

infrastructure of the system consists of AMR outstations and the AMR primary station (see figure 4, page 48). The AMR primary station and the smart water meters, including primary meters and

4. Precise design to control supply pressure

Most buildings in Hong Kong are high rise and indirect water supply is normally designed with gravity by dividing the building into several water supply zones (see figure 5, page 48). Water pressure varies in the supply zones depending how far a consumer’s end point is from the roof tank. Consumers in lower accommodation receive water at higher pressure which means that pipes and fittings are prone to leaks, especially if there are system design faults.

Supply pressure design is highly effective in reducing leaks. In implementing pressure control, it is essential to properly install the interim break tank and pressure reducing

valves to limit the pressure and maintain a zone with supply pressure between 2.0 and 4.5 bar or 5.5 bar preferably. The key challenges are finding adequate spaces for installing the water tanks and selecting the appropriate equipment, pipework and valve pressure rating.

The narrower the water supply pressure range the easier it will be to control the system pressure and lower the risk of leaks. At the same time, less water flow demand through the sanitary fittings helps to save water. Therefore, it is recommended to fit secondary pressure-reducing valves to control the water supply pressure, serving both purposes.

5. Visual inspection of pipework for leaks and adequate support

Visual inspection of pipework should be conducted during regular maintenance to check if there are:

• any physical signs of leaks, such as water around joints, water on floors or discolouration of fittings;

• adequate fixing supports, or whether there are missing or broken pipe supports and brackets;

• damaged or vandalised pipework. Where pipes are concealed, checking for damp patches on walls and ceilings can help to detect any leaking pipes.

6. Proactive leak control by inspection

The investigation process should include an investigation request, desktop study, initial basic inspection of affected areas, detailed site investigation and survey, analysis and compilation of findings to establish sources and causes, and preparation of the investigation report.

Existing methods adopted by various government departments include:

Visual inspection, moisture meter test, water ponding/ colour water test with or without chemical tracer to roof slab, internal floor slabs or in-situ made

Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system

“Consumers in lower areas receive water with higher pressure, so pipes there are more prone to leaks”

Water supply design in high-rise buildings

Accoustic leak detection

shower trays, colour water test (CWT) on drainage outlets/sanitary fittings and colour water spraying test on peripheral walls of bath tubs/shower trays, salinity test, reversible pressure test (RPT) and water meter flow test.

Some other testing methods are also recommended:

(i) Static pressure test

Measures hydraulic water pressure to a section of pipeline to test any drop of static water supply pressure over a period of time. (Pressure drop = leakage in the test system) Suitable if the section of pipeline can be isolated.

(ii)

Acoustic leak detection method

A leak will cause vibrations to the pipes and an emission of high frequency sound due to rapid release of energy from localised source (see figure 6). Thus, it can verify the location of leaks in long pipes.

Suitable if there is a long section of concealed pipeline.

(iii) Infra-red thermographic test

Evaluate presence of water leaks or moisture penetration by electromagnetic wave. Water has a higher specific heat capacity.

• Wet areas: relatively colder areas in the infrared images

• Examine the difference in temperature relative to the rest of the finishing surfaces.

Evidence of leaks can be found through regular inspection of buildings

Suitable for all general cases where the pipeline is near the surface.

(iv) Microwave concrete sub-layer moisture content test

Measures the relative moisture content and distribution in certain levels of depths on pre-designed gridlines of the seepage areas by Moist R1: 0-30mm, R2: 0-70mm, D: 0-110mm, P: 0-300mm & S: 0-800mm. Suitable in cases where it is difficult to reach a concealed section of pipe.

(v) Radar scanning

Send short pulse of electromagnetic energy into the material. Radar measures the time taken for a pulse to travel back and forth from the target. Suitable in the case of long concealed pipelines and where you can access the whole section, by maintenance hole/inspection chamber only.

(vi) Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Micro-spectroscopy Inspection

FTIR is a material identification technique which works by analysing the infrared absorption spectrum of the materials to identify the presence of colour dye particles used in CWT, spray test or PT.

Suitable in cases where there is a reachable section of pipeline.

(vii) Electrical capacitance and resistance tests

Electrical capacitance test

• Electrical capacitance is the ability of a body to store charge.

• The test works by measuring the changes in this ability in the object. The wetter the material, the greater the response.

Electrical resistance test

• Apply a voltage across two points and measure the current/ electrical resistance. The wetter the material, the smaller the resistance

Suitable in cases where it is hard to identify where the leak has occurred. Remedial works can be arranged according to the analysis results so that potential leaks can be promptly located for urgent repair.

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“Visual inspection of pipework should be carried out during regular maintenance work”

Burning issue

Heating and plumbing installers need to ensure their own wellbeing as well as that of their customers when carrying out heating and plumbing tasks, so it’s vital to put safety first.

“Many, if not most, property owners do not prepare for works ahead of the installer’s arrival, so it’s often down to the installer to review, ascertain and put a plan together to create a safe working environment for all parties, particularly where hot works may be undertaken,” says Adrian-Paul Liddell MCIPHE, managing director of Busy Energy.

Follow procedures

Engineers should always carry out a Site Specific Risk Assessment and Method Statement (SSRAMS) ahead of any works, which can then be presented to the customer post quote.

“To ensure all is clear and understood, toolbox team talks ahead of works should be held up to two weeks before,” says Liddell. “If works are reactive and emergency based, we would recommend that thought is given to mechanical heat-free works above soldering first.

“Where emergency works are to be undertaken, it is always advisable to understand and put in place a plan to mitigate any risk from burning or scalding, as well as fi re from hot works. Appropriate fi re safety equipment should always be to hand and marked clearly where soldering or hot works are to take place, this includes inspected and certifi ed fi re extinguishers and items such as heat proof mats, gloves, eye protectors and, without question, a full fi rst aid kit. We would also advise knowing and noting where the nearest medical facility is located.”

Think ahead

It pays to think of the worst case scenario when carrying out work on heating and hot water systems, and to assume that any safety devices are not working correctly until proven otherwise.

“Be diligent,” says Liddell. “Always keep a works log of what has been tested and how it operated, which is all part of mandatory service works on such systems.”

Hot water systems pose a serious risk to heating and plumbing engineers and if faulty can produce temperatures in excess of 100°C, particularly unvented and some older solid fuel systems, and can be very dangerous if not dealt with appropriately.

“Solar Thermal Systems can also be very dangerous as super high temperatures can be experienced in them, whilst older direct immersion only heated cylinders can also deliver water at scalding temperatures too, if faulty,” says Liddell. “The safety valves,

temperature regulating valves, and expansion relief technology fi tted to such systems are there for a very good reason on more modern systems and as such care and due diligence must always be applied when dealing with any system that could present a possibility of risk.”

Be prepared

Taking appropriate precautions when carrying out high-risk jobs must include correct PPE and first aid kit, with contents that are in date.

When working with heat, when mechanical or heat free is not possible, it’s vital that engineers operate in a well-ventilated area, with the correct PPE, such as suitable breathing apparatus and protection for eyes, hands and any exposed body areas.

“If you are in an environment where a hot works permit is required, make sure you have obtained one and, where possible, place a ‘person at work’ sign around the areas you are operating to assist in alerting the public or your clients to what is happening,” advises Liddell. “Make sure that a suitable fi re extinguisher is available close to hand and heat proof mats are utilised when working close to other surfaces, which may be subject to higher temperature heat transfer.

“Training is vital and safety training is critical for construction work. It’s good practice to ensure that employers and employees are familiar with the requirements for the area they operate in to perform their role safely, compliantly and competently.”

Burns and scalds pose a serious risk for heating and plumbing engineers, so caution is always advised

“Many property owners do not prepare ahead of the installer’s arrival, so it’s often down to the installer to create a safe working environment”

Installers and engineers should prepare well and take steps to manage risk to themselves and to the public when working with heat